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Re: Write to him or write him?

I am still not entirely clear. Does that mean that a and b are American English, and only if I use the word "letter" in the sentence is it British English.
For example. John sent me a nice gift. I must write him with thanks. This sentence sounds American English, but if if wrote "write to him" it scans better. Could you clarify what you think.
David

Re: Write to him or write him?

Hi David27,
You're correct that there is a distinction between 'a' and 'b' - 'a' is North-American English and in British-English you must use 'to'.
In 'b' it is possible to omit 'a letter' in B-E because it's assumed you're going to write a letter (as opposed to a newspaper article).

Re: Write to him or write him?

That American speakers seem to prefer, as you've noted, the first structure to the second doesn't mean one is AmE and the other not. The difference you've come across has to do with efficiency. I am Canadian and I use both [a] and [b]: